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Past Film/Video | Documentaries
Audio Descriptive Version
Stream
This version of the film provides audio description and closed captioning. A descriptive transcript is available at the bottom of this webpage under the heading Related Material.
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A powerful, insightful work of political filmmaking, John Gianvito's look at Helen Keller's engagement with progressive causes is one of the year's most essential documentaries.
Though her life generated voluminous literature, most people ignore the fact that iconic deaf-blind author Helen Keller (1880–1968) was one of the most passionate socialist advocates of her time. Continuing his work of patient and thoughtful filmmaking, director John Gianvito (Profit Motive and the Whispering Wind) resurrects Keller’s radical views, which have been largely suppressed or sanitized over the years. In Her Socialist Smile, he researches how, beginning in her early 30s, the pioneer leftist thinker fervently and eloquently spoke out on behalf of many progressive causes, from the rights of women and the disabled to international socialism and world peace. Gianvito combines on-screen text taken from her most memorable public appearances, recorded voice-over by politically engaged poet Carolyn Forché, and quiet images of nature to create another unique blend of historical analysis and poetry. Reminding us that leftist struggles are inseparable from disability advocacy, Keller’s words remain remarkably pertinent today. (93 mins., DCP)
The Wexner Center was pleased to be able to give John Gianvito financial support for the creation of this audio descriptive version of the film. For more information on the theatrical version of the film, showing in-person at the Wex's Film/Video Theater with and without open captions, click here.
FILM/VIDEO PROGRAMS MADE POSSIBLE BY Cardinal Health Kaufman Development
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY Rohauer Collection Foundation
WEXNER CENTER PROGRAMS MADE POSSIBLE BY The Wexner Family Greater Columbus Arts Council The Columbus Foundation Ohio Arts Council American Electric Power Foundation Adam Flatto Mary and C. Robert Kidder Bill and Sheila Lambert L Brands Foundation Institute of Museum and Library Services Nationwide Foundation Vorys, Sater, Seymour, and Pease Arlene and Michael Weiss
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY Carol and David Aronowitz Mike and Paige Crane Pete Scantland Axium Packaging Bocchi Laboratories Fenwick & West LLP Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams President Kristina M. Johnson and Mrs. Veronica Meinhard KDC/ONE Nancy Kramer M/I Homes Voyant Beauty Huntington Lisa Barton Regina Miracle International (Group) Ltd Washington Prime Group Alene Candles Fuel Transport Russell and Joyce Gertmenian Liza Kessler and Greg Henchel Matrix Psychological Services Paramount Group, Inc. Ron and Ann Pizzuti Joyce and Chuck Shenk Bruce and Joy Soll Clark and Sandra Swanson Business Furniture Installations CASTO E.C. Provini Co., Inc. Garlock Printing & Converting Jones Day M-Engineering New England Development Our Country Home Performance Team Premier Candle Corporation ProAmpac Steiner + Associates Textile Printing Andrew and Amanda Wise
Past Film/Video
Her Socialist Smile
